catch one's breath   (TTS發音)

1. breathe in suddenly with fear or surprise；rest and get back normal breathing 因恐懼或興奮而屏住呼吸；喘氣以恢復正常呼吸

    The story is full of surprises which cause the reader to catch his breath. 這個故事充滿了驚險情節，使讀者緊張得透不過氣來。

    After running to the bus stop we sat down to catch our breath. 我們跑到車站後坐下來喘氣。

2. relax for a moment 放鬆一下

    After a day's work they sat down over tea to catch their breath. 工作一天後，他們坐下來喝茶放鬆一下。